All Blacks gather to plot Tri-Nations

A group of 30 All Blacks will assemble for the first time this year in Wellington today - even though three tests have already been played.

And if that's a puzzle, it means you are a newcomer to Planet All Blacks 2006. This squad have not been together until today, having been split into groups for the two tests against Ireland and the trip to Argentina last week as the All Black selectors ran their eye over 39 players in the first three internationals of the season.

All 30, apart from recalled flanker Reuben Thorne, have played at least one test this year.

The players won't be pulling on their boots in Wellington, though. The intention is a three-hour meeting to sort out priorities for the first three tests of the six-game Tri-Nations series, starting with Christchurch against Australia next Saturday. The other two tests in the selectors' immediate sights are against South Africa in Wellington on July 22 and the Wallabies in Brisbane on July 29.

The squad will then head home for a couple of days before reassembling on Sunday in Christchurch.

Although the Tri-Nations trails the end-of-year tour to France, England and Wales in terms of selection panel priorities for next year's World Cup, coach Graham Henry admitted it was an important element of the rugby year. "You can't get away from the fact the Tri-Nations is big," he said.

"No matter what your priorities are, when you get to the Tri-Nations you want to do well. So everybody will be stoked for it. There'll be no excuses."

And in another sign that the serious international rugby is upon us, both Henry and new Wallaby coach John Connolly are making underdog noises ahead of the opening match.

Henry didn't actually use that word, but did maintain the All Blacks trail Australia in terms of readiness and what the respective teams had achieved in their leadup internationals.

Australia have thumped England 34-3 and 43-18 before beating Ireland 37-15 last weekend. By contrast, the All Blacks have scratched past Ireland 34-23 and 27-17, then Argentina 25-19.

Connolly, in his first year in charge of the Wallabies, hit back with a "you've got to be kidding" line.

"They're the best team in the world by a mile," Connolly said of the All Blacks. "They're odds-on favourites to win the World Cup. They've got all the positions covered two or three times.

"They've got a magnificent coaching staff with magnificent players, including arguably four or five of the best players in the world in their positions.